Watch List — Tampa Bay

The following is a list of several runners that have competed at Tampa Bay Downs recently, and are expected to turn in good performances in their next outings.

We will let you know when these horses are entered for a next race, and then report on the results.

*Cause for Victory — April 26, Race 9: Six-year-old stunned a group of $10K claiming older fillies and mares when sent off at 36 to 1 on the Tampa turf. Breaking from post 1 she was steadied early and raced off the pace while down inside, then moved on the turn and angled to the outside in the stretch and ran down the 78-1 loose-on-the-lead pacesetter Shiny Surprise. The result was a whopping $1,676.80 $2 exacta. This one now has a pair of grass wins from 5 tries and could be even more effective with a smooth trip. Might have another big race in store.

*Miss Cay O’Shea — April 23, Race 6: Three-year-old miss from the Kathleen O’Connell outfit flashed speed and showed some ability in her lifetime bow sprinting on the weeds vs. $22.5K Maiden fillies. She displayed good early foot, moving up to third on the inside after breaking seventh. Veteran rider Ron Allen Jr. was forced to steady entering the turn, but then continued to advance only to have to wait for racing room at the top of the stretch. She gained mildly once clear and finished fourth. A lot to like here–she may be a lawn mower.

*KNOCK EM OUT ROY — April 22, Race 3: May have been a victim of bad racing luck when competing against $16K Maiden Claimers for top connections. (Edwin Gonzalez and Gerald Bennett, 29% winners together.) He stumbled coming out of the gate, breaking inward and chased the leader from second position to the top of the stretch before tiring to be fourth, some 13 lengths back. Might like a slight turn-back from seven panels and a clean getaway wouldn’t hurt.

*Arangol — April 21, Race 1: Broke first and stumbled at the start in route with $8K NW3L runners. The six-year-old gelding then raced inside off the pace, saving ground in sixth place until the stretch. He closed late between horses and got up to be fourth. Appears that this one can do better with a trouble-free beginning and merits a good look next time against similar.

*Pepperdine Gal— April 21, Race 5: Had a disappointing debut for able trainer Anthony Margotta Jr., currently scoring at 38% with first-timers. She finished seventh (last). It seems that the sophomore filly wasn’t quite happy on that afternoon, being fractious in the gate and stumbling badly at the start. She ran last in the field of seven, showing some life at the ¼ pole, moving up slightly four-wide. The bettors sent her off at $2.20 to $1. (second favorite) and it would be no surprise to see marked improvement in the future.

*Thurston— April 21, Race 9: Proved to be a prompt favorite when bossing a field of $16K Maiden Claimers on the lawn. He gave notice two races back, displaying a big effort wearing first-time blinkers. Gelding may be a case of being a “new horse” after having the eyewear added. Should do well when he moves up in company. Follow this recent winner after Tampa season ends.

About The Author

Editor Jim Freer has covered horse racing for 15 years during his career as a journalist writing about business and sports in South Florida. He was previously the horse racing correspondent for the Miami Herald and the Florida correspondent for Blood-Horse. Jim contributes to other racing publications and is a regular guest on industry radio and podcast shows for WDBFradio.com and espn.com. He manages editorial content for HorseRacingFla.com.

*Saturday Nov. 3 -- the Gulfstream Park West meet, at Calder, will have the first two stakes races of its 2018 meet.

The $75,000 Cellars Chiraz is one mile on turf for 3-year-old fillies. The $75,000 Showing Up is one mile on turf for 3-year-old males.

*Saturday Nov. 10 -- Nine stakes races at GP West, all restricted to Florida-breds and all with $75,000 purses

*Saturday Nov. 24 -- opening day of 2018-2019 meet at Tampa Bay Downs

*Sunday Nov. 25 -- closing day of 2018 GP West meet

*Saturday Dec. 1 -- opening day of Gulfstream Park championship meet. The opening day card will feature the national Claiming Crown--with nine stakes races restricted to horses that during 2017 and 2018 raced at least once at or below designated claiming prices.